Hannah Pierce on July 4 observance, 1834

Contributed by Maine Historical Society

Description

Hannah Pierce of Baldwin wrote to her sister-in-law, Anne Longfellow Pierce of Portland, beginning her letter, "Will perhaps like to know what the Old Maid is doing here alone?"

She then went on to give a rather tongue-in-cheek account of her observance of Independence Day. She said she substituted reading the letters of Major Jack Downing for the Declaration of Independence.

Downing was the satirical creation of writer and newspaper editor Seba Smith, a friend of several of Hannah's brothers. The character of Jack Downing criticized the political excesses of President Andrew Jackson and other politicians.

View/Add Comments

Transcription

Item has a transcription view a full transcription


About This Item

  • Title: Hannah Pierce on July 4 observance, 1834
  • Creator: Hannah Pierce
  • Creation Date: 1834-07-06
  • Subject Date: 1834-04-07
  • Locations:
    • Baldwin, Cumberland County, ME
    • Portland, Cumberland County, ME
  • Media: Ink on paper
  • Local Code: Coll. 4210
  • Collection: Pierce family collection
  • Object Type: Text

Cross Reference Searches

Standardized Subject Headings

People


For more information about this item, contact:

Maine Historical Society
485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
Website

Use of this Item is not restricted by copyright and/or related rights, but the holding organization is contractually obligated to limit use. For more information, please contact the contributing organization. However, watermarked Maine Memory Network images may be used for educational purposes.

How to cite content on this site


Please post your comment below to share with others. If you'd like to privately share a comment or correction with MMN staff, please send us a message with this link.